Overview

The United States Trustee Program (USTP) is a component of the Department of Justice, and the USTP is responsible for overseeing the administration of bankruptcy cases and private trustees under 28 U.S.C. § 586 and 11 U.S.C. § 101 et seq. The USTP is commonly known as the "watchdog of the bankruptcy system." The USTP is tasked with preventing fraud, dishonesty, and overreaching within the bankruptcy system. Accordingly, the USTP has standing to participate in every individual and business bankruptcy case. The USTP's main duties include (1) trustee oversight; (2) oversight of credit counseling and debtor education providers; (3) civil enforcement; (4) criminal enforcement; (5) facilitating access to justice; and (6) Chapter 11 oversight. 

USTP Website

The USTP maintains a website that includes important resources and information. The USTP News is updated with relevant speeches & testimony, press releases, notices, and bankruptcy articles, which may be particularly relevant for current awareness. The USTP website also has important information for consumer bankruptcy fillings:

• Credit Counseling & Debtor Education
• 341 Meeting of Creditors
• Bankruptcy Basics
• FAQs
• Report Bankruptcy Fraud or Abuse
• Means Test Information
• Other Resources

Contact Information

Office of the Director:

Phone: (202) 307-1391

Email: ustrustee.program@usdoj.gov